Advice on how to repair my "first scratch."

I’d get it repaired, as these trucks go forever and you seem to take pride in keeping yours pristine. I have a 5th gen 4Runner I offroad. Each time I get back, I buff out the scratches I can and do a full wax. I’ve had it for 9 years and I know what you mean about the attachment.

I was sideswiped a year ago by an inattentive driver . I thought about pocketing the the insurance money but eventually opted to have a body shop repair the damages.

I’d consider repair or plasti-dip as others have mentioned

 

Some of that lower scratch can be buffed out. Hit both areas with some good compound of your choice. Clean both areas really good and get a bottle of touch up paint and few small painters brushes. Carefully fill in the scratched area with small layers until you build it up to meet the existing paint level. Let it dry and eventually wax the area.

You will get more scratches on your flares from instances like this or flying road debris. After one winter I couldn't believe the number of rock chips on the leading edge of my rear flares. Better to have damage to plastic bits rather then into your metal panels. When mine get to be in real bad shape I will remove them all and either bed line or line-x.

 

Find someone local who deals with auto paint/body work. They should be able to mix you up a small container of touch up with your paint code or vin# and it will match exactly. Don't use no store bought crap

 

That looks awesome man, I vote OP paints his fender flares instead of fixing the scratch.

 

Try to touch it up with a paint pen or brush. If it doesn't look good and you still want it repainted by a pro, it won't cost you any more than it would before the touchup was done.
Or leave it.

 

We have a winner.

 

Disagree because it's usually way less noticeable at a glance but YMMV

 

Seriously doubt paint thinner will take that paint off.

 

Looked it up. He used paint STRIPPER.

 

Right? I thought so too! But the reality is there are many more BBP here than I would have imagined. I'm sure some of it has to do with awareness, noticing others with the same color.

 

The first scratch is the hardest.

 

OP, check out Touchupdirect.com. My Dad had a similar issue with his truck and ordered from there. Unless under the right light the repair virtually unnoticeable.